Unilateral tongue atrophy as the initial clinical manifestation in a patient with prostate cancer

Clin Case Rep. 2024 Mar 7;12(3):e8615. doi: 10.1002/ccr3.8615. eCollection 2024 Mar.ABSTRACTKEY CLINICAL MESSAGE: Unilateral tongue atrophy can be a rare and crucial early indicator of metastatic prostate cancer, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring in clinical assessments. This case underscores the importance of considering cranial nerve involvement, especially the twelfth, for timely intervention and comprehensive patient care.ABSTRACT: Prostate cancer, ranking among the most prevalent cancers, often manifests with skeletal metastases. Cranial nerve involvement, particularly the twelfth cranial nerve (XII), as an initial presentation is exceptionally rare. This case report outlines a unique instance of unilateral tongue atrophy as the primary clinical manifestation in a patient diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. A 54-year-old man presented with dysarthria and progressive weakness, later revealing signs of hypoglossal nerve paralysis, unilateral tongue atrophy, and skeletal metastases involving the base of the skull. Imaging studies, including CT and MRI, confirmed diffuse lytic lesions and cranial nerve entrapment. Further investigations identified elevated PSA levels, confirming acinar prostate adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent hormone therapy due to the poor prognosis. Prostate cancer's skeletal metastases are well-documented, but cranial nerve involvement remains rare, particularly with isolated XII nerve manifestation. The discussion emphasizes the ...
Source: Clinical Prostate Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Source Type: research